Pittsburgh hosts Toronto in a three-game set at PNC Park, opening with Paul Skenes against Kevin Gausman. Toronto’s offense has been hot, driving in 24 runs over the weekend and led by Bo Bichette’s 5-for-12 binge with two runs and three RBIs. Pittsburgh has dropped seven of its last ten, including a late loss in which Joey Bart delivered a couple RBIs in the defeat. The betting board shows the Jays as slight underdogs (+102) and the Pirates at -122, with a 7.0 total; Toronto has taken six straight at Pittsburgh. NBC’s model flags the over and a spread leaning toward Toronto’s +1.5 as plausible bets.

In fantasy terms, Bichette and Gausman are obvious targets here, while Skenes carries upside but comes with risk given Milwaukee’s past outing. The Jays’ lineup can test Skenes early, and Gausman’s experience against a rebuilding Pittsburgh squad could yield a multi-homer night for Jays bats. For the Pirates, Bart’s present power and a favorable home park angle provide solid streaming options if you believe in a high-scoring tilt.

The Cubs grabbed a 4-1 win over Toronto behind a breakout start from rookie Cade Horton and early power from Michael Busch and Matt Shaw. Horton stranded the Jays’ best early swings, retiring the first 10 batters in order and fanning eight as he carved through six-plus innings. Busch slugged his 23rd homer of the year in the third, Shaw added his 10th two frames later, giving Chicago an early cushion that held up despite a late Blue Jays rally. Toronto finally dented Horton with a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. RBI double in the sixth, but the Cubs bullpen slammed the door. Amaya left with an injury in the eighth, and Daniel Palencia closed it out for his 16th save as Chicago out-hit Toronto 6-2 in front of a sellout crowd.

Gausman pitched well for Toronto, yielding three hits and two runs over seven innings with three strikeouts and one walk. The Jays’ bid for a comeback faltered as Chicago’s offense provided just enough support, and Horton’s 28 2/3-inning scoreless streak came to an end with Guerrero’s double. The interleague tilt wraps with Max Scherzer slated to start for Toronto against Matthew Boyd as the series concludes. For fantasy players, Horton’s breakout adds a tantalizing late-season probability of a reliable rookie in Chicago’s rotation, while Busch and Shaw continue to supply homer upside from the Cubs’ lineup.

The Toronto Blue Jays showcased their resilience by rallying against the Baltimore Orioles, bouncing back from a 3-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 9-8 victory. This marked their 34th comeback win of the season, further solidifying their status as a competitive team in the American League. With a .712 win percentage since May 28, the Jays remain tied for the best record in the league. The win not only halted their four-game losing streak but also reinforced their belief in their ability to overcome challenges. New acquisitions like Seranthony Domínguez promise additional support as the trade deadline approaches.

Despite some sloppiness during the series, including costly defensive errors and questionable pitching performances, the Jays' overall play since the All-Star break remains strong. Manager John Schneider praised the team's efforts in a demanding stretch of games, and with players like Daulton Varsho expected to return from injury soon, the Jays are positioned well for a strong second half.

John Schneider's evolution as the Blue Jays manager is evident as he guides the team to the top of the major leagues. Now in his third season, Schneider reflects on his growth through challenges faced during the last few years. His ability to maintain a positive atmosphere and trust in his players has been pivotal, particularly during tough stretches. The contributions of versatile players like Ernie Clement highlight the importance of inclusivity in Schneider's management style, keeping the entire roster engaged and motivated.

Schneider's strategic decisions have faced scrutiny, particularly in playoff situations, but his calm demeanor and player-centric approach have fostered strong relationships within the team. As the Blue Jays navigate the playoff race, Schneider's adaptability and commitment to player development continue to play a critical role in their success.